Best Rides at Universal Studios

Enjoy the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, the famous Hollywood studio tour and more.

Updated April 27, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Universal Studios Hollywood offers some fun rides for kids and adults. You can enjoy most of these rides in a one day visit, or two days if you want to ride your favorite tides multiple times. Here are the best rides at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California.

Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

View of Hogwart's castle from the Flight of the Hippogriff ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you are a Harry Potter fan, this is definitely the best ride at Universal Studios. Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the ride takes place in Hogwart's castle. Inside the castle, the wait line if full of scenes from your favorite Harry Potter movie. The ride may be too scary for younger Harry Potter fans, but they will enjoy the nearby Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster ride, a short ride so it is fun to ride if the line is short.

Location Harry Potter Ride: Upper lot

Minimum Height Requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)

Single Rider Line: Yes


Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter World Universal Studios

Harry Potter World Universal Studios

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you must spend some time in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Just as the movies were true to the books, Universal Studios has created a Harry Potter World that delivers. Buy a wand and you can use it to cast spells. Hear Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom. Enjoy a cup of Butterbeer. Fans should visit Harry Potter World first, and explore Hogswarts and Hogsmead.

Universal Studios Harry Potter World Location: Upper lot


Universal Studios Tour

Universal Studios Tour

War of the Worlds airplane crash seen from Universal Studios Tour

The Studios Tour is a must see, and lasts for an hour. It is an experience and a tour, as it includes the King Kong ride and Fast & Furious Supercharged ride. You will the back lot and see movie sets, including some famous scenes such as the airplane crash from War of the Worlds, the Bates Motel from Psycho, a pond from Jaws, and much more. The lines are longer in the afternoon, so I suggest you ride it mid to late morning after you've ridden some other rides. This is one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Location: Upper lot

Minimum Height Requirement: None

Single Rider Line: No


Mario Kart Bowser's  Challenge

Mario Kart Challenge in Super Nintendo World

Mario Kart Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

Enjoy this new Universal Studio ride in Super Nintendo World. Race in your own Mario Kart and win the gold cup for your team. The wait line is fun too, with fun memorabilia throughout the line. Afterwards, take some time to explore Super Nintendo World.

Location: Lower lot in Super Nintendo World

Minimum Height Requirement: 40 inch (102 cm)

Single Rider Line: Yes


Revenge of the Mummy

Revenge of the Mummy Ride

Revenge of the Mummy Ride

Board a mine cart to travel on this roller coaster around an archaeological dig in a cursed Egyptian tomb. The ride is short but fast, and even a portion of the ride that goes backwards! Fastest ride at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Location: Lower lot

Minimum Height Requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


Jurassic World - The Ride

Jurassic World Ride

Jurassic World Water Ride

An updated version of the Jurassic Park water ride, complete with dinosaurs and a sharp drop at the end of the ride, which means you might get wet on this only water ride in the park. This is one of the best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially on hot days.

Location: Lower lot

Minimum Height Requirement: 42 inches (107 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


Waterworld Show

Universal Studios Discount Tickets

Waterworld Show Universal Studios Hollywood

The Waterworld show continues to delight visitors, and some consider it to be the best theme park show ever! Watch the Hollywood stunt actors perform in this explosive show based upon the movie Waterworld. Check the studio directory for show times.

Location: Lower lot

Minimum Height Requirement: None

Single Rider Line: No


The Simpsons Ride

The Simpsons Ride

The Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

I loved the Simpsons ride. This fun 3D motion-simulation ride takes place on Krusty the Clown's midway gone wild. Trust the Simpson family to save the day.

Location: Upper lot, in Simpson's Land

Minimum Height Requirement: 40 inch (102 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

Secret Life of Pets

Secret Life of Pets Ride

Who can resist learning about the secret life of pets? Both young and old will enjoy this fun slow-moving ride, where you travel around New York City and find a forever home.

Location: Upper lot

Minimum Height Requirement: 34 inch (86 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Minion Ride Universal Studios

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride Universal Studios

Are you ready to be a minion? Gru will invite you to minion training, but the minions will save the day. One of the best rides at Universal Studios for younger kids, although must be 40 inch or taller to ride.

Location: Upper lot

Minimum Height Requirement: 40 inch (102 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


Transformers: The Ride 3D

Transformers Ride

Transformers Ride at Universal Studios

Calling all Transformers fans. Join Optimus Prime to protect the AllSpark out of Megatron's hands in an explosive battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. Includes 3-D visual and 4-D physical effects in this flight simulator ride.

Location: Lower lot near the Revenge of the Mummy

Minimum Height Requirement: 40 inch (102 cm)

Single Rider Line: No


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